11.00

Can DRT services work for rural areas?
Tom Williams, Director of Innovation, Ascendal

Declining ridership, poor emissions standards, long wait and journey times are key issues facing rural communities. Can demand responsive technology help to improve the efficiency of rural bus services and, if so, how can this help local government? This talk will discuss the efficiency savings of hybrid of fixed route and demand responsive zones rather than traditional fixed routes.

11.20

What could the future of rural transport look like?
Nick Bromley, Consultant, and Beate Kubitz, Consultant

Nick and Beate will explore the case for the modernisation of rural transport, looking at the Peak Power' rural communities transport programme, smart buses and driverless vehicle opportunities that go beyond the UK's vehicle-only strategies.

11.40

The bus isn’t going away
Sophie Best, Transport Planner, WSP and Joel Dodsworth, UTMC Manager, Leeds City Council

By combining new technology such as signals technology and vehicle detection systems with ongoing commitment to sustainable transport, WSP and Leeds City Council have re-imagined the city’s transport infrastructure. With an investment of £173m, Leeds the ultimate goal of doubling bus trips in the next 10 years.